Nigerian-born table tennis star reveals why he choose to represent Benin Republic

By Tosin Omojola

Monday Oladele, a former Asoju Oba Table Tennis Champion, shares the compelling reasons behind his decision to switch allegiance from Nigeria to the Benin Republic.

In an exclusive interview, Oladele revealed that despite his impressive performances over ten years representing Nigeria, he never had the opportunity to compete in an international championship. Although he was ranked among Nigeria’s top players from 2000 to 2004, he faced a frustrating cycle of close calls and missed opportunities.

Born in Agege, Lagos State, Oladele credited his father with playing a crucial role in helping him obtain the necessary paperwork to compete internationally. “I started representing the Benin Republic Table Tennis Team in 2004. I was a former Nigerian player, having competed in the Cadet, Junior, and Senior categories.

“I was the Asoju Oba Table Tennis Cadet Champion and Junior Doubles Champion in 1990/91. I also competed in the Coca-Cola Championship in Ilorin, reaching the semifinals in singles and the finals in doubles in 1992,” he recalled.

“Whenever there was a national camp, I was invited but dropped at the last minute. It felt like I was invisible,” he said, underscoring the challenges of a system that often overlooks talent.

A pivotal moment arrived in 2004 when Oladele received an unexpected invitation from the Benin Republic Table Tennis Federation. “I saw it as a lifeline. I left training at the National Stadium in Lagos and embraced the opportunity with my father’s support. He understood my struggles and provided me with the documents needed to compete abroad.

“Upon returning to Cotonou, I presented the documents to the former President of the Federation, which allowed me to participate in the 2004 African U-21 Table Tennis Championship in Ghana.”

Oladele’s performance at the championship marked the beginning of his international career. “Despite being eliminated in the semifinals, I was named Best Player, which opened the door to my first international competition—the 2004 World Championship in Canada, a dream come true for me.”

His success continued as he claimed victory at the 2004 Top 16 Table Tennis Championship, defeating prominent opponents like Seun Ajetumobi, Isiaka Aliu, and Bode Kayode. “Winning that championship was validation of my hard work and perseverance,” he said.

In 2004, the national coach invited him to the Commonwealth Games camp, where players were selected based on world rankings. When the rankings were released, Oladele found himself listed as a senior player for the Benin Republic at position 204, his highest ranking.

However, he was removed from the camp at Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan due to his status as a Benin Republic player, solidifying his decision to represent that country. “I had to choose: continue playing for Nigeria, where I was overlooked, or embrace my identity as a Benin player,” he explained.

Oladele reflected on his achievements in doubles and mixed doubles national tournaments, partnering with notable players such as Idiyat, Dave Idioka, Yomi Olufoye, Gbenga Kayode, and Ibrahim Adams. His passion for table tennis remained unwavering as he reminisced about his time playing for Plateau State in the National Sports Festival.

“I represented Plateau State from 1997 to 2002 as a contracted player, competing in the National Sports Festival throughout that time. In the 1998 festival in Imo, I reached the finals in the Men’s Team, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles events.

“During the 2000 festival in Bauchi, I faced tough competition, losing in the semifinals of the doubles while finishing as a finalist with the men’s team. I was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the men’s singles by Tajudeen Salawu Jegede.

“In 2002, at the National Sports Festival in Edo State, I again reached the finals in doubles but lost, while making it to the semifinals in both men’s singles and mixed doubles,” he shared.

Today, Monday Oladele is recognized for his contributions to table tennis, having been awarded the 2022/23 Best Player of the Year by the Benin Republic Table Tennis Federation.